water analysis

4a.

Of the five Samples taken in Mexico, it is easiest to say that the similarities between the first three can be chalked up to the fact that they were taken from the same source, while the last two were taken from separate locations. Sample #1 was described as having low turbidity, which makes sense given that it was taken from the part of the water that had vegetation growing, meaning that it obviously was capable of sustaining life (no matter how minimal that life might be). Samples #2 and #3 however, were taken from the edge of the body of water, where the water does not receive any circulation, and lays stagnant, allowing any bacteria to fester. Sample #2 had the highest level of nitrates (15) and was also the one described as having a layer of “goop”. Samples #1, #4, and #5 all had neutral pH levels of 7, however, Samples #2 and #3 had pH levels of 6.6 and 6.5, slightly below what is considered neutral and consumable. This is due to the fact that they were taken in the locations with no circulation. However, all five samples had a dissolved oxygen level of 4ppm, and had relatively close temperatures, ranging from 20 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius.



4d.

Mexico Sample # 5, collected in the estuary area, is most similar to that of Sample #3 and Sample #5 of Famosa Slough. This is because Samples #3 and #5 were both taken within the closest proximity of the Famosa Slough itself. Some of the apparent similarities would be the DO levels, Mexico Sample #5 and Famosa Sample #3 both exhibiting a DO level of 4ppm (Famosa Sample #5 close with a DO level of 3.5ppm). As mentioned previously, Famosa sites #3 and #5 had lower levels of dissolved oxygen, presumably due to the fact that these areas had the most flowing water. The same can be said about Mexico Sample #5. Also, both Famosa Sample #1 and Mexico Sample #5 were described as having birds near by. This is made possible because of their neutral pH levels (7pH). Interestingly enough, the Mexico Sample had lower nitrate levels than those of the Famosa Slough. This may be because the soil in the Slough of the United States could be enriched with certain fertilizers and etc. that would produce a higher level of nitrates.

4e.

Mexico Sample #4 and the sample extracted from the San Diego Bay were actually extremely analogous, each statistic only being a fraction of a percent different. Both with neutral pH levels, Mexico with 7ph, San Diego Bay at 7.17 pH, and both with equivalent dissolved oxygen levels (4ppm). The neutral pH levels of the Mexico Sample were to be expected, considering it was taken from a beach where locals often went clamming. What’s interesting is, geographically speaking; a beach and a bay are rather different, one being a direct source, while the other is more of an inland pool of water with minimal circulation. However, the statistics taken from the beach and Mexico, and the San Diego Bay, did not reflect this polarity.

Citations!

Lapper, Richard. "World- US Migrant Workers Send Home $62.3 Bn." Financial Times. 15 Mar. 2007. 05 Sept. 2007 <http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f94e4d5c-d32b-11db-829f-000b5df10621.html. >

"City of Carslbad Evicts Migrant Workers." Migrant Housing Issue. 21 Nov. 2001. La Prensa San Diego. 02 Nov. 2007 <http://www.laprensa-sandiego.org/archieve/november21/MIGRANT.HTM. >

"Interview with Roberto Martinez." Border Operations/Migrant Life/ Organizing for Human Rights. 2007. 02 Nov. 2007 <http://www.inmotionmagazine.com/hrcr/rm2001a.html. >

Fotos